Waipukurau is the biggest town and the agricultural hub of Central Hawke’s Bay. With a vibrant main street there's a great selection of local shops and cafes and is a perfect base to start day trips and get out and explore the area. A visit to the local Information Centre located at the old Railway Station on Bogle Brothers Esplanade is the best way to start exploring and tap into some handy local knowledge.
Waipawa is a 5 minute drive northeast of Waipukurau and home to some of Hawke’s Bays best rainbow and brown trout fishing spots. Dotted along the main street are a number of boutique shops and cafes. You’ll also find the Central Hawke’s Bay Settlers Museum which offers a nostalgic glimpse of life back in the day. Waipawa is the hub of The Limestone Loop – a driving route through Otane, Waipawa and Tikokino a showcase of wine, shopping, culture, cafes and history.
This beautiful coastal community loves to welcome visitors and is famous for its hospitality - whether you are after a camping, cultural, historic or beach experience, Porangahau has got the goods. Summertime in Porangahau is a bare foot wander to golden sand beaches where you can surf cast, fly kites, ride blow carts on a windy day or simply soak up some sunshine and it is home to some incredible fishing and diving spots and summer events.
Just off SH2 between Hastings and Waipawa, is a small township with a big heart. The town is fiercely promoted by those who live and work there. The Sunday Otane market is a great way to kick off exploring Central Hawke’s Bay, held from 9am – 1pm and features local produce, plants, arts, crafts, vinyl records and more! Afterwards enjoy a coffee at McCauley’s cafe housed in the old Otane Public Library - a beautiful art deco building.
An eclectic mix of history, art & country gardens, the Central Hawke's Bay township of Tikokino, on State Highway 50 north of Ongaonga, began as a 'very neat little town' of 86 sections sold in 1860. The town was originally named Hampden, after Sir John Hampden.
Set in a peaceful spot a stones throw from SH50, Ongaonga has a collection of historic buildings gathered from all over the district and clustered around the Department of Conservation's field office creating a picturesque historic village.
Use the Finder below to discover more things to see and do while you're in Central Hawke's Bay
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Check out more fun stuff you can get up to with the kids while in Hawke's Bay
